AIM: HOW DID THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE

RISE TO POWER?

Global History and Geography Regents Review

Unit 2 Section 3

THE BIG IDEAS The Byzantine Empire had a strong

government and a uniform code of Laws under Emperor Justinian.

Was closely tied to the Orthodox Christian Church.

Made Contributions in architecture, engineering, and art.

Affected the later development of Russia and other nations of Eastern Europe.

KEY PEOPLE AND TERMS

Justinian Autocrat Justinian’s Code Icons Mosaics Patriarch Schism Kiev Czars

GEOGRAPHIC SETTING In 330, Emperor Constantine built a new

capital city in Constantinople… the Byzantine Empire is born out of what was the Western portion of the Roman Empire.

Covered from Rome through Southeastern Europe and Asia Minor down to Egypt and North Africa. A portion of Spain was controlled by the Byzantine Emperors. The Byzantine Empire blended Greek, Roman, and Christian influences.

Emperor Constantine Ruled c. 288 – 337

ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE BYZANTINE

The empire reached its peak under Justinian who an Autocrat or single ruler with absolute power.

Justinian's Code of Law: Included Roman Laws, legal writings, and a student handbook. International law today is based on Justinian's Code.

Engineering and Architecture: Blending of Greek, Roman, and Persian styles. The Church of Hagia Sophia "Holy Wisdom" was built during this time.

Art: Icons or images of Jesus, Virgin Mary, and Saints were designed by Byzantine artists.

EmperorJustinianbest know forJustinian’sCode of Laws.Ruled from 527 – 565.

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Eastern Orthodox Church:

Imperial Authority: The Emperor controlled the business of the church and was considered Jesus' co-ruler on Earth. They did not believe in the authority of the Pope.

Differences with the West: Byzantine priests can marry, Greek became the language of the Church, and the use of icons insulted the Roman Catholic Church.

Christian Schism: In 1054 a permanent split occurred between the Orthodox Christian Church and the Roman Catholic Church.

DECLINE AND FALL Height of the Empire during Justinian's Rule

After his reign, invading armies began taking land

Internal struggles and constant warfare put a strain on the empire

During the 4th Crusade, Christians captured Constantinople

In 1453, the Byzantine Empire came to an end with invasions by the Ottoman empire.

RUSSIA AND EASTERN EUROPE

First Russian state was established in the early 800's located in Kiev which is in present day Ukraine.

Written Language: Established the Cyrillic

alphabet which is still used today based on the Greek Alphabet

Orthodox Christianity: Russian Orthodox religion formed out of the Byzantine Empire

Autocratic Government: Russian leaders were known as Tsars (Czars) which means Caesar. They were Autocratic rulers

Art and Architecture: Adopted Byzantine art, music, and architecture.

St. Basil’s Cathedral:Russian OrthodoxChurch inMoscow, Russia